Amalia True works with Penance Adair to help the Touched, a group of people with special powers, by keeping them safe at an orphanage. As Mary Brighton, a singer whose voice has an effect on the Touched, is held captive by the serial killer Maladie, Amalia tries to save her.
Maladie's men kidnap Penance. Amalia reaches the whereabouts of Maladie, who succeeds in running away, leaving Amalia severely wounded. Lavina throws a big party, where she decides to destigmatize the Touched.
Penance seeks to use an amplifier so that everyone in London hears Mary's song. As Penance and Myrtle discover another orphanage, Amalia looks into the matter. Mary faces her miserable end.
Amalia misses Mary's funeral, while Mundi discovers that Swann has something to do with Mary's murder. The Orphans try to decode Mary's song, which turns out to be a a message directed to Amalia.
The Touched are infuriated after Maladie is sent to death. Amalia and Penance fall into a predicament regarding Maladie's execution, whereupon the Orphans must decide whose side are they on.
After Maladie commits suicide, Amalia and Penance both discover that they were wrong. Amalia comes clean to Penance and the Orphans about her story and her real name.